Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
FORMAL TITLE:
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One-year contract renewal with VIP Security & Investigations, LLC to provide citywide security services with an estimated expenditure of $399,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala has an ongoing need for security services for City Hall, the Citizens’ Service Center, the City Complex, and the downtown parking garages. Security officers guide citizens, greet and process visitors at City Hall, monitor the parking garages, monitor Citizens’ Circle, patrol the City Complex, and enforce ordinances and rules on City property.
Security officers have responded promptly when called upon to deal with aggressive patrons at the Citizens’ Service Center and City Hall. The presence of security officers provides a visible deterrent throughout the City Complex, parking garages, and Citizens’ Circle. Additionally, loitering in and around Citizens’ Circle has decreased, and a security presence ensures the safety of citizens in the public parking garages during evening hours. Having security guards on-site has proven to be a valuable asset in protecting staff, citizens, and visitors from potential acts of violence.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On October 5, 2021, City Council approved the award of a three-year contract to VIP Security & Investigations, LLC, for the provision of citywide security services. The contract included three optional one-year renewal terms. On September 3, 2025, City Council approved the second optional renewal.
Beyond the posts originally scoped under the contract, the City has also been able to request additional security services for various ad-hoc events that arise throughout the year, as well as for a new post at the City Complex. To ensure the safety of staff and equipment, the City Complex has been locked down during and after business hours. A security checkpoint (guard shack) has been established at Gate #4, where all incoming staff and visitors are thoroughly reviewed by a new VIP Security Guard post.
VIP Security & Investigations met all contractual obligations throughout the initial three-year term and the first and second one-year renewal terms.
Staff recommends approval of the third one-year renewal term.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the annual renewal of $399,000 will be paid under Munis Contract No. 210576 and will be budgeted in Fiscal Year 2026-27 accounts:
• 001-035-214-529-52-34010
• 457-032-214-531-53-34010
The most recent renewal of this service under this contract occurred on September 3, 2025, with an estimated expenditure of $399,000.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This amendment will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny